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Today’s patchwork Land Development Code is an obstacle to enabling both growth and preservation. CodeNEXT seeks to streamline the site-planning and permitting processes, and its use of graphics and labeling make navigating the code easier for both officials and property owners.

Process goals addressed in CodeNEXT include:

Developing Clearer Zoning Districts

Using a Single, Consistent Spectrum of Zones

Creating a Faster Site-Planning Process

Simplifying Permitting

Challenges with the current code:

Multiple layers of supplemental regulations that compensate for inadequate base zones result in confusing rules, making it difficult to implement and predict the character of new development.

Regulations that are too general, and therefore unpredictable, have required conditional overlays to further regulate allowed uses and standards, making it difficult to understand the intent of a specific zone.

Current planning processes emphasize either small projects, such as single-family homes, or large commercial projects, and do not work well for fine-grained infill projects at neighborhood scale.

The current code includes permitting procedures that are incomplete and hard to follow, which makes them difficult for staff and the public to understand and apply.

Proposed solutions in the new code:

Complete, predictable development standards and compatibility regulations are embedded within zones. Robust base zones allow overlays to be simplified or eliminated, reducing complexity.

Zoning categories are no longer qualified by the terms “less restrictive” or “more restrictive.” Distinct zoning categories with more refined-use regulations and development standards incorporate the most frequently requested conditions.

A new simplified site plan review process provides faster review for projects with 3 to 9 units, which will increase feasibility and, potentially, affordability.

Permitting processes and procedures have been updated to reflect current City practice and State law, and, where necessary, they have been simplified, streamlined, and reorganized to ensure consistency and ease of use.

Regulations are more straightforward and arranged within a clear graphic layout and labeling system that makes it easier to understand and use.